The square knot is a simple joining
knot used to tie two ropes together.

Names

Square knot - comes from the knot's
shape
Joining knot - the knot can be used for joining two ropes. It is
also the first knot required to be tied when joining a Boy Scout
troop.
Reef knot - a nautical name because sailors used this knot to
"reef" or roll up a ship's sails.

Uses

The square knot is useful in many
everyday situations that require two ropes to be joined
together. For example, tying a rope around a bundle of
newspapers or branches. The knot used to tie your shoelaces is a
slight modification of the square knot. Do not use the
square knot in any situation in which safety is a consideration.
The square knot is unreliable when a heavy strain is placed on it.

How to Tie

1. Situate your rope so that
you have one end of the rope in your right hand. The other end
goes in your left hand.
2. Place the right end over the left end, then twist the top
rope underneath.
3. Now place the (new) left end over the (new) right end, and
twist the (new) top rope underneath.
4. Tighten by pulling both ends simultaneously with even force.